US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Future Greenland Takeover.

The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the vast island following the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power competition in the Arctic. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he remarked.

He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.